Exploring Greece and Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

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Tour Operator

Collette Vacations

Offer

Offer valid through 12/31/2009

Duration

15 Days

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Air 1	Overnight Flight	Overnight Flight : Discover the beauty and timeless wonder found only in Greece. From historic classical Greece to the colorful Greek Islands, every day is filled with new and wonderful experiences. This fascinating tour of Greece begins with an overnight flight.
Day 2	Athens	Athens, Greece - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in the capital city of Athens. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Athens' historic district, known as the Plaka. In a traditional taverna you will feast on local cuisine and wine, and enjoy Greek entertainment.
Day 3	Athens	Athens : LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A comprehensive tour of Athens brings the past to life as it showcases the city's ancient and glorious monuments. See the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Olympic Stadium. You'll also visit the incredible Acropolis. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon to further explore this captivating city.
Day 4	Kalambaka	Athens - Thermopylae - Kalambaka : From Athens you will head north through central Greece. Visit the site of the ancient historic city of Thermopylae where you will stop to see a monument dedicated to Leonidas, who died defending the city against the Persians. Then, stop at a local studio to see painters at work creating beautiful Byzantine icons. End your day in Kalambaka, a typical Greek town at the foot of the Pindos Mountains.
Day 5	Kalambaka	Kalambaka - Meteora - Kalambaka : Today you will tour Meteora, a unique landscape of limestone rock "towers" that stand nearly 900 feet into the air. Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks. As you travel through the dazzling Peneios Valley you will stop and visit one of these remote holy places. Return to Kalambaka this afternoon for some leisure time to relax or explore the town.
Day 6	Arachova	Kalambaka - Delphi - Arachova : Continue on to the ancient city of Delphi, one of Greece's most important religious centers during Classical times. It was here that the famous Oracle was consulted to foretell the destiny of Man. A local expert guides you on a visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo, the Doric Temple and the Theatre.
Day 7	Olympia	Arachova - Olympia : Travel along the Gulf of Corinth before crossing into the Peloponnese. Continue south to the historic city of Olympia, a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek civilization. Your guided visit includes a tour of the sanctuary of Zeus and the Olympic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC.
Day 8	Tolo	Olympia - Mycenae - Epidauros - Tolo : Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cross the Arkadian Mountains en route to the ancient city of Mycenae. A guided visit of the excavations features the Beehive Tombs and the Lion Gate. Continue to Epidauros to view the spectacular 2,300-year-old open air theater. End your day in the charming seaside village of Tolo.
Day 9	Tolo	Tolo - Nauplion - Tolo : Spend a leisurely day experiencing the seaside charms of Nauplion. Explore the old town and the imposing Palamedes Fort, situated high atop the city with commanding views over the town and the Argolic Gulf.
Day 10	Mykonos	Athens - Mykonos : This morning you will transfer* to the port of Athens where you will board the high speed ferry to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views as you sail across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise.
Day 11	Mykonos	Mykonos : Enjoy a relaxing day to independently explore the charms of Mykonos. The beautiful island beaches beckon for a day spent relaxing in the Mediterranean sunshine. Don't miss Mykonos Town, where mazes of narrow streets link the whitewashed buildings and traditional life continues amidst the bustling activity. You will want to stroll through the island's elegant shops and enjoy the fresh seafood offered in the waterfront tavernas.
Day 12	Santorini	Mykonos - Santorini : Bid farewell to Mykonos as you sail to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Upon arrival, visit an island winery that produces the unique and famous wines of Santorini.
Day 13	Santorini	Santorini : Spend the morning exploring the cultural wonders and history of Santorini, one of the world's most beautiful islands. Begin the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum** with its impressive collection of frescoes, Byzantine works of art and sculptures of the Hellenistic period. Next, travel through a fascinating landscape of vineyards, whitewashed chapels and volcanic cliffs to the spectacular town of Oia, where the best views of the crater are found. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and explore the island capital of Thira.
Day 14	Athens	Santorini - Athens : Bid farewell to the Greek Islands and fly back to Athens for your overnight stay. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to Greece.
Day 15	Tour ends	Athens - Tour Ends :

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Divani Palace Acropolis		Hotel Famissi Eden
	Europa Hotel		Hotel King Minos
	Hotel Apollon		Royal Myconian Collection
	Hotel Hermes		Santorini Image Hotel
	Holiday Inn Attica

Disclaimer

Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call your Travel Agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.